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When the weather turns cold, many homeowners lean on electrical devices to keep their homes cozy and warm. Unfortunately, many portable heating units pose fire hazards if safety standards are not adhered to. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency claims that over 40% of home fires involve space heaters. Genesis Electric’s expert electrical team wants you and your family to stay safe this winter.

  1. KEEP FLAMMABLE ITEMS AWAY FROM HEAT SOURCES

Seek to remove any flammable items from around your heat source. Establish a 3-foot perimeter around any heat source such as a space heater, fireplace, wood stove, or other heating device. A three-foot perimeter surrounding the heat source can serve to prevent injuries to children and pets in the home as well.

  1. NEVER LEAVE HEATERS UNATTENDED

Turn portable heating units off when you leave the room. Always turn your heating unit off when you leave home and when you go to bed. Monitor heaters to ensure that they do n

  1. MONITOR USAGE OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Do not overload electrical outlets. There should be, at maximum, only one high wattage appliance used per outlet. Many homeowners are prone to add more burdens to their home’s electrical needs with increased holiday lights and decorations. Monitor the use of your home’s electrical outlets.

  1. DO NOT PLUG SPACE HEATERS INTO POWER STRIPS NOR EXTENSION CORDS

The safest way to power your space heater is to use a wall outlet with no other item plugged into the outlet. Power strips and extension cords are not equipped to handle the high electric current that most space heaters require. Using a power strip or extension cord to power a space heater could cause the strip to melt, burn, or even catch fire.

  1. KEEP PLACEMENT OF OUTLETS AND POWER STRIPS SAFE

Do not run electrical cords or power strips under rugs or behind furniture. Covering cords and power strips inappropriately can increase the likelihood of fraying wires and sparks turning into a serious fire. Keep outlets safe. Cover outlets with safety covers if you have small children in the home.

  1. FOLLOW CHRISTMAS LIGHT SAFETY TIPS

If you use electric lights on your Christmas tree, use a surge protector to avoid voltage spikes. Limit the number of stringed lights that you connect to one another when lighting your tree – a maximum of three strands. When you connect strands of light, ensure that the strands have equal number of bulbs per string. Always turn off/unplug holiday lights (both indoor and outdoor) when you leave your home and when you go to bed. Ensure that you use the appropriate extension cord for outdoor lights. You should only be able to use extension cords specified for outdoor use to power outdoor lights. Be cautious if decorating anywhere near a power line. Do not use electrical lights or decorations within 10 feet of any power lines.

It’s hard to find an electrician with whom you can trust the lives of your family, feeling confident of their service. We can help with qualified, trained and friendly electricians serving you with excellence, honesty and integrity.

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